Viability of Mycobacterium leprae Pretreated with Rifampicin

Abstract

Suspensions of Mycobacterium leprae were incubated at 4°C or 30°C for 60min with rifampicin at a concentration of 2mg/ml. Before inoculating of mice, haves of the suspensions were repeatedly washed with a balanced salt solution. The unwashed bacilli did not multiply in mouse foot pads regardless of the exposure temperatures to the drug. The washed ones pretreated at 4°C multiplied normally. The organisms treated with the same procedure but at 30°C resulted in a significant growth delay.